Folliculitis decalvans: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 05:24, 16 February 2025

Folliculitis decalvans is a rare, chronic inflammatory condition of the scalp that leads to scarring hair loss. It is characterized by the destruction of hair follicles, resulting in permanent hair loss and scarring.

Pathophysiology

Folliculitis decalvans is believed to be an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks the hair follicles. The exact cause is not well understood, but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic predisposition and bacterial infection, particularly with Staphylococcus aureus.

Clinical Presentation

Patients with folliculitis decalvans typically present with:

Alopecia (hair loss)
Pustules and papules on the scalp
Erythema (redness)
Crusting and scaling
Itching and tenderness

The condition often begins with small patches of hair loss that gradually expand over time.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of folliculitis decalvans is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of the scalp. A skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of scarring alopecia. Bacterial cultures may be taken to identify any secondary infections.

Treatment

Treatment options for folliculitis decalvans include:

Antibiotics to control bacterial infection
Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
Immunosuppressive drugs in severe cases
Topical treatments such as antiseptic shampoos

Management focuses on controlling symptoms and preventing further hair loss, as there is no cure for the condition.

Prognosis

Folliculitis decalvans is a chronic condition that can be difficult to manage. While treatment can help control symptoms and slow progression, the scarring and hair loss are usually permanent.

Related pages

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-'''Folliculitis Decalvans''' is a rare, chronic condition of the scalp characterized by inflammation and scarring that leads to permanent hair loss. It falls under the category of neutrophilic cicatricial alopecias, which are disorders affecting the hair follicles, leading to scarring and irreversible hair loss. The exact cause of Folliculitis Decalvans is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic predisposition, immune system dysfunction, and possibly bacterial infection.
+{{DISPLAYTITLE:Folliculitis Decalvans}}
-==Symptoms==
+[[File:Foliculites_decalven.jpg|thumb|right|Folliculitis decalvans on the scalp]]
-The primary symptom of Folliculitis Decalvans is the development of pustules around hair follicles that lead to hair loss. These pustules can be painful and may ooze, leading to crusting. Over time, the affected areas can develop scarring and permanent bald patches. Other symptoms may include itching and a burning sensation on the scalp.
-==Causes==
+'''Folliculitis decalvans''' is a rare, chronic inflammatory condition of the scalp that leads to scarring hair loss. It is characterized by the destruction of hair follicles, resulting in permanent hair loss and scarring.
-While the exact cause of Folliculitis Decalvans remains unknown, several factors are believed to contribute to its development:
-* '''Genetic predisposition:''' There may be a genetic component that makes certain individuals more susceptible to developing the condition.
+==Pathophysiology==
-* '''Immune system dysfunction:''' Abnormalities in the immune system may lead to inflammation around the hair follicles.
+Folliculitis decalvans is believed to be an [[autoimmune disease]] where the body's immune system attacks the hair follicles. The exact cause is not well understood, but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic predisposition and bacterial infection, particularly with ''[[Staphylococcus aureus]]''.
-* '''Bacterial infection:''' The presence of certain bacteria, such as ''Staphylococcus aureus'', is often associated with the condition, though it is not considered the sole cause.
+==Clinical Presentation==
+Patients with folliculitis decalvans typically present with:
+* [[Alopecia]] (hair loss)
+* [[Pustules]] and [[papules]] on the scalp
+* [[Erythema]] (redness)
+* [[Crusting]] and [[scaling]]
+* Itching and tenderness
+The condition often begins with small patches of hair loss that gradually expand over time.
 ==Diagnosis==
-Diagnosis of Folliculitis Decalvans typically involves a combination of clinical examination, history taking, and laboratory tests. A dermatologist may perform a scalp biopsy to examine the affected tissue under a microscope, which can help confirm the diagnosis. Other tests may include bacterial cultures to identify any infectious agents and blood tests to rule out other conditions.
+Diagnosis of folliculitis decalvans is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of the scalp. A [[skin biopsy]] may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of scarring alopecia. [[Bacterial culture]]s may be taken to identify any secondary infections.
 ==Treatment==
-Treatment of Folliculitis Decalvans aims to reduce inflammation, prevent further hair loss, and manage any associated infections. Options may include:
+Treatment options for folliculitis decalvans include:
-* '''Antibiotics:''' Long-term antibiotic therapy can help control bacterial infection and reduce inflammation.
+* [[Antibiotics]] to control bacterial infection
-* '''Corticosteroids:''' Topical or intralesional corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation.
+* [[Corticosteroids]] to reduce inflammation
-* '''Immunosuppressants:''' Medications that modulate the immune system, such as cyclosporine, may be used in severe cases.
+* [[Immunosuppressive drugs]] in severe cases
-* '''Laser therapy:''' Laser treatment can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
+* [[Topical treatments]] such as antiseptic shampoos
+Management focuses on controlling symptoms and preventing further hair loss, as there is no cure for the condition.
 ==Prognosis==
-The prognosis for individuals with Folliculitis Decalvans varies. While treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent further hair loss, the condition is chronic and can be difficult to treat. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to improving outcomes.
+Folliculitis decalvans is a chronic condition that can be difficult to manage. While treatment can help control symptoms and slow progression, the scarring and hair loss are usually permanent.
-==Prevention==
+==Related pages==
-There are no specific measures to prevent Folliculitis Decalvans due to its unclear etiology. However, maintaining good scalp hygiene and seeking early treatment for scalp infections may help reduce the risk of developing the condition.
+* [[Alopecia areata]]
+* [[Lichen planopilaris]]
+* [[Discoid lupus erythematosus]]
 [[Category:Dermatology]]
-[[Category:Hair diseases]]
 [[Category:Autoimmune diseases]]
-{{medicine-stub}}